Bass Harbor, Maine facts for kids
Bass Harbor is a small village located in Hancock County, Maine, in the United States. It's part of the larger town of Tremont and sits on Mount Desert Island. This island is also very close to Acadia National Park, a popular place for nature lovers.
Bass Harbor is well-known for its natural harbor, which is a safe place for boats. It's one of the most important places in Maine for catching lobsters. Many lobsters are caught here, making it a very successful fishing port. The famous Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse stands at the entrance to the harbor, guiding ships safely. You can also catch a Maine State Ferry Service boat from Bass Harbor to visit nearby Swans Island and Frenchboro.
For a while, Bass Harbor was known by a different name: McKinley. This happened in the early 1900s when a post office was being built in the village. Federal officials asked what the new post office should be called. Someone jokingly suggested, "Name it after the president for all we care!" So, the post office, and soon the whole village, became known as McKinley. However, in 1961, the people living there asked for the name to be changed back to Bass Harbor, which it has been ever since.
The village is located at 44°14′24″N 68°20′38″W / 44.24000°N 68.34389°W. The special code for mail in Bass Harbor is 04653.
History of Bass Harbor
Bass Harbor has a rich history, especially tied to its important lighthouse.
The Famous Lighthouse
The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is a very important landmark in the area. It was built because of a report from the Lighthouse Board, which said that ships needed a light to help them find their way into the harbor safely. This lighthouse has been guiding sailors for many years, making sure they can navigate the waters around Bass Harbor, especially at night or in bad weather. It's a symbol of the village and its connection to the sea.
